Should I stop taking iron supplements if my stool is black?

Nausea and vomiting may occur with higher doses, but they can be controlled by taking the iron in smaller amounts. Ask your provider about switching to another form of iron rather than just stopping. Black stools are normal when taking iron tablets.

Why is my poop black when I take iron tablets?

Iron pills can change the color of your stool to a greenish or grayish black. This is normal, but because internal bleeding can also cause dark stool, be sure to mention any color changes to your doctor.

What are the symptoms of too much iron supplements?

Frequently taking iron supplements that contain more than 20 mg of elemental iron at a time can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, especially if the supplement is not taken with food. In severe cases, iron overdoses can lead to organ failure, internal bleeding, coma, seizure, and even death.

Does dark stool mean too much iron?

Taking iron tablets will turn the stool a dark, almost black color (actually dark green). This is normal, and does not mean that the iron tablets are causing intestinal bleeding. Children are at particular risk of iron poisoning (overdose), making it very important to store iron tablets out of the reach of children.

Does black poop mean too much iron?

Black or dark stools are a common side effect that may be the harmless result of unabsorbed iron. Whether you are taking iron supplements alone or a multivitamin with iron, you may experience this. Other things that may cause black stools include: Foods that are dark blue, black, or green.

How much iron is too much in a day?

At high doses, iron is toxic. For adults and children ages 14 and up, the upper limit — the highest dose that can be taken safely — is 45 mg a day. Children under age 14 should not take more than 40 mg a day.

How long can black stool last?

Dark colored / black stools are a common side effect and can last for several days after you stop taking Pepto-Bismol.

What does iron do to stools?

Taking iron tablets will turn the stool a dark, almost black color (actually dark green).

Does taking iron supplements turn your stool Black?

Iron supplements cause the stool to darken. Some people’s stools will turn black. This is not a cause for alarm. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this is actually a desirable consequence of taking iron. If the stool does not turn black, your supplement may not be effectively getting absorbed.

Why does iron turn stool Black?

Iron pills cause the stool to darken. Some individuals’s stools will turn black. This is not a cause for alarm. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this is actually a desirable repercussion of taking iron. If the stool does not turn black, your supplement may not be successfully getting soaked up.

What do dark stools mean?

Black stools can indicate bleeding or other injuries in your gastrointestinal tract. You may also have dark, discolored bowel movements after eating dark-colored foods.

What is dark stool?

Black or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. The term melena is used to describe this finding. Eating black licorice, blueberries, blood sausage, or taking iron pills, activated charcoal, or bismuth medicines like Pepto-Bismol, can also cause black stools.